really good story of a man who made a wrong choice and killed his son. He was addicted to alcohol and pills when it happened. This is his journey in jaill and his experiences with the people in the prison. Good story It was good to remember and know that people are human in the jail system.

This was one of the best books I have read. Heart wrenching, powerful. Not even sure what to say. I could not put this book down. This author has outdone himself with this story. Be prepared to cry and have your heart broken.

Wally Lamb is a master story teller. After a family tragedy that he caused, Corby tries to survive sobriety and life inside prison. A tale of love and redemption that will move the reader.

Oh, this novel! Heavy, tragic, complex and honest, as only Wally Lamb can deliver. "The River Is Waiting" was so profound and memorable, felt like an important read. Tackling serious topics (which I won't mention, so not to spoil some very unimaginable events). Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

I'm not surprised that this new book from Wally Lamb gutted me. Corby's story is one every parent can relate to in many ways. Lamb does an amazing job capturing so many emotions and fears from the very start.

The author takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions and while your gut anticipates a sickening revelation you instead are sucker punched and left flailing in disarray. You vacillate between empathy, sorrow, anger, disbelief, and despair. Coming to terms with taking responsibility for your in/action while also battling external forces you cannot control or get the upper hand with. Thought-provoking and intense.

The River is Waiting is a testament to Wally Lamb’s ability to draw readers into the intimate struggles of his characters while offering a quiet meditation on life’s passage.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Kindle ARC in exchange for an honest review. Wally Lamb has long been one of my favorite authors. His book, I Know This Much is True," is in my top five favorite books of all time. The River is Waiting is one of the best books I've read in 2024 and I encourage everyone to read this book when it is published. Corby and Emily are a young married couple with twins - a boy, Niko and a girl, Maisie. Corby is an artist who lost his job due to downsizing and Emily is a school teacher. Corby becomes the stay at home parent while looking for a job. Unfortunately to numb the pain and humiliation of not working, he begins day drinking and relying on prescription pain killers to make the days go by. When a tragic accident happens that affects the entire family Corby ends up going to prison for what he's done and the family starts to splinter. Mr. Lamb's description of the broken family, the prison experience and the eventual outcome are some of the most touching and painful chapters I've read in any book. The River Is Waiting is an excellent story and a worthwhile read.

In The River is Waiting, Wally Lamb explores the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and transformation through the life of Corby Ledbetter. Corby is a new father whose life spirals after losing his job and struggling with a hidden addiction, leading to a tragic incident that devastates his family. Sentenced to prison, he navigates a brutal and dehumanizing environment where he encounters both violence and unexpected kindness. The support of a compassionate prison librarian, a gentle-hearted cellmate, and a young inmate searching for guidance helps Corby to find slivers of hope and purpose in his confined life, encouraging his journey toward self-forgiveness and reconciliation with his family and himself​.

An uplifting book about redemption, hope, and forgiveness. If this was made into a movie, I imagine it would be a cross between 'Shawshank Redemption', and 'The Green Mile'.

I recently read that Lamb had spent a lot of time with prison writing programs, which informs this narrative, lending authenticity to Corby’s experiences within the correctional system. Through his decades-long work with incarcerated writers, Lamb brings a compassionate yet unflinching view to prison life, portraying its harsh realities while also illuminating the resilience and humanity that can persist within its confines.

Corby and Emily Ledbetter are a young married couple with a set of twins. Life has been complicated by Corby losing his job and leaving Emily to support their young family.
As a stay at home dad, Corby tries to do his best, but alcohol and downers help him take the edge off his feelings of depression.
This substance abuse slowly escalates and leads to a tragic outcome.
Wally Lamb follows Corby's path through a prison sentence where Corby tries to regain his family, and make amends.

This is a must-read if you are as fascinated by the prison system as I am. A tragedy leads to a father being imprisoned and he has to learn to navigate new relationships while on the inside. This is a story about humanity and how people treat one another when the unthinkable happens.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you to NetGalley for the privilege to read Wally Lamb’s newest work of fiction before it’s available more broadly. This book is a gift. I’ve been waiting years for this and it was worth the wait.
Like Lamb’s novels before this one, this book is heart wrenching. My eyes might be swollen tomorrow at my daughter’s soccer game from reading part four. I loved these characters. Not loved them like I really enjoyed them-I truly loved and cared for them. Their grief became my own and their successes had me crying happy tears.
The book starts with how the main character, Corby, and his wife, Emily’s, relationship began. Just the right amount of time is spent developing that relationship, those first characters we meet. Then comes the big event and the consequences. The bulk of the book takes place in the correctional facility. There are some really ugly scenes and I offer trigger warnings related to suicide, self harm, and assault. But is that ugliness not part of that experience? It’s brutal. But there are so many more redeeming moments and characters, so many moving descriptions of interactions.
It all unfolds flawlessly. I honestly believe Wally Lamb is one of the greatest writers of our times. You do not see all of what’s coming in the story and sometimes things are dumped on you in such a way that you know it was very intentional to make you feel the way you do.
I sincerely hope I do not have to wait so long for the next book from one of my favorite authors but I will use some of that time to emotionally recover and to process the layers of perspective I was just honored to read.
BRAVO!!

Corby Ledbetter, who faces a profound crisis marked by fatherhood, job loss, and a secret addiction that threatens his marriage to Emily. Following a tragic event, Corby is sentenced to prison, where he confronts the harsh realities of confinement alongside moments of unexpected kindness from fellow inmates and a compassionate librarian. The narrative explores themes of isolation, redemption, and the power of love and support, particularly through Corby’s relationship with his mother and his connections with other inmates. The prose is poignant, inviting readers to empathize with Corby’s struggles and the possibility of forgiveness. Ultimately, the book serves as a moving exploration of resilience, mercy, and the enduring capacity for healing and hope, making it a compelling read for those seeking a thoughtful and emotional journey.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I am a huge Wally Lamb fan and couldn’t wait to read this.

The tragedy in this story happens in the first chapter but was not included in the book description so skip this review if you don’t want to know what it is.

I can not think of anything more tragic than the loss of a child, except for when it is the parent’s fault. This follows the story of that parent, the father Corby, and the aftermath of the death. It is such a heartbreaking story told from Corey’s point of view. He doesn’t have an easy time of it, and it can be frustrating with some of his setbacks. The story also delves into the impact on his wife, daughter, and parent.

Bring the tissues, I was bawling in several parts.

Wally Lamb is an exceptional storyteller. The River is Waiting is another example of his ability to put the reader right in the midst of his characters’ lives. You will cry, you will cringe, and you will really root for Corby.

When Corby lost his job, he became a stay-at-home dad to his twins. He began to drink too much and became addicted to pills. What happened to his family due to his addiction is horrifying. It will change his and his family’s lives forever.

This book covers many tough subjects such as death, addiction, marriage woes and prison. It is written so beautifully, and with so much care and tenderness, that you’ll need a box of tissue handy at all times. I can highly recommend this. I loved it as much as I loved his other books. It is simply amazing.

Wally Lamb will forever be one of my favorite authors, he is a literary genius!

The River is Waiting is a story of grief, loss, heartbreak, perseverance, forgiveness, and love. What Corby went through and what he overcame is an inspiration to those who have been affected by addiction and loss. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions as you embark on a journey of one man's path to redemption.

Through hard work and determination, we can conquer our darkest demons.

It’s been awhile since I have read a book by Wally Lamb. He is simply amazing. He can take the most difficult life altering hardships and circumstances and turn them into something so deep and profound and meaningful. Please don’t take that lightly, though. This is a heavy, heavy book and will dredge up every emotion possible. This book was beautifully written with well crafted characters. It’s not a book you will forget and it’s certainly a book that takes time to process. I’m in awe of Wally’s writing. This one will definitely be on my mind for awhile.

Many thanks to NetGalley and also the publisher for the ARC.

The River is Waiting is a book that took me by surprise.  

Corby has recently lost his job which lands him at home with his young twins while his wife, Emily, is the breadwinner.  As he struggles to find something else in his field, he turns to prescription drugs and alcohol to cope.  As his secret day drinking and overuse of his prescription grows, an incredible tragedy occurs that lands him in prison and rips apart his family.

The River is Waiting is a book centered around grief, forgiveness of others and self, and the aftershock of tragedy and the way it impacts everyone surrounding it.  Wally Lamb composes an incredible story that touches on many sensitive topics that are relevant today.  Corby's incarceration exposes him to a world of injustice in many different forms; some at his own expense.  The injustices within the justice system are heartbreaking and the way Lamb exposes the readers to this perspective reminds us that nothing is simply black and white.  You can be a convict and a victim, and your skin color can determine your fate.

There are heartwarming moments and characters throughout that provide hope and continue to remind the reader that we're all human.  Corby consistently tries to do the right thing, perhaps to make amends for what brought him to prison in the first place.  The ending of this novel took me by complete surprise but beautifully wrapped up this tragic story.  I had no idea what to expect when I started reading this novel, but I'm certainly glad I did.  4.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon Element for this ARC.

In The River Is Waiting, Wally Lamb crafts a poignant and introspective narrative that delves into themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human connection. Known for his ability to weave intricate characters and emotional depth into his stories, Lamb's latest work does not disappoint, offering readers a profound exploration of the human experience.

Set against the backdrop of both a small-town community and the vast, reflective landscape of nature, the novel follows the intertwined lives of its characters as they navigate their personal struggles and relationships. Lamb’s prose is rich and evocative, painting vivid imagery that immerses the reader in both the physical and emotional landscapes of the story.

One of the book's strengths lies in its character development. Lamb has a remarkable talent for creating multifaceted individuals who grapple with their own demons while seeking connection with others. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into the characters’ inner worlds, experiencing their joys and heartbreaks alongside them. This deep emotional resonance is a hallmark of Lamb’s writing, making the characters feel relatable and real.

The thematic exploration of grief and healing is particularly compelling. Lamb examines how the past shapes our present, and how we can find solace in the memories of those we have lost. The river itself serves as a powerful metaphor throughout the novel, symbolizing both the flow of time and the possibility of renewal. It is a place where characters confront their pasts and begin to forge new paths forward, offering a sense of hope amidst the struggles.

Additionally, the novel touches on broader societal issues, including the impact of trauma and the importance of community support. Lamb's narrative encourages readers to reflect on their own connections to others and the ways in which empathy can bridge divides. This layered approach adds depth to the story, making it resonate beyond the individual experiences of the characters.

While the pacing may occasionally meander, much like the river that serves as a central motif, this can also be seen as a deliberate choice that allows for reflection and contemplation. Lamb invites readers to pause and consider the moments that shape our lives, emphasizing the importance of presence in a fast-paced world.

In conclusion, The River Is Waiting is a beautifully crafted novel that showcases Wally Lamb’s skill in storytelling and character development. With its exploration of love, loss, and the journey toward healing, the book is both a heart-wrenching and uplifting read. It encourages readers to embrace their own narratives and to find beauty in the connections we share with one another, making it a meaningful addition to Lamb’s impressive body of work.

Wow! Amazing! Touching! I honestly had no clue what I was diving into, but from the get-go, I was pulled in. There was a scene that had me gasping and going OMG while I was in bed, my heart broke. I couldn't imagine the pain and the guilt. While in prison he learns the system he learns how to survive and he sees the corruption that can happen to the officers. It broke my heart to see things happen through his eyes. When you give a book five stars you know it is because it was one you couldn't put down this is one of those books. It was amazing to see how Corby wanted to fight his addiction and how he tried so hard to overcome his addiction and do right. The story, the emotions, the characters, and the plot all made for a story that is unforgettable. When I tell you to rush and buy this book I totally mean it. I don't believe that you will be disappointed.
There is growth within this book and we see Corby grow it is hard, but necessary.